Biology 1

Unit code: RBF1310 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
St Albans
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
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Overview

This unit provides students with knowledge and understanding of key concepts in biology for students specialising in biotechnology, ecology or science education and will be built upon in the subsequent unit, Biology 2. The unit content will be supplemented by laboratory practicum. Students will develop scientific literacy, practical and writing skills in a student centred learning environment with a focus on ecology, microbiology, plant structure and function, animal physiology, and evolution.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Gather and interpret data in a laboratory setting, using microscopy and other techniques, in relation to given and/or unpredictable problems;
  2. Analyse the scientific literature and report on a specific topic in biology, expressing ideas and perspectives as an individual and as a member of a group;
  3. Identify the structure of the main plant tissues and describe how the structure relates to the function including the main metabolic pathways;
  4. Examine the processes involved in the operations of major biological systems, including digestion, gas exchange, muscle contraction and neural control;
  5. Apply knowledge of population and community ecology and environmental variation to predict the structure and functioning of ecosystems.

Study as a single unit

This unit can be studied on its own, without enrolling in a full degree.

Learn more about single units of study at VU

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: ICT (Wiki, Web sites)
|
Grade: 30%
Group Wiki (3000 words) and a 12 minute oral presentation - groups of 4 students per topic.
Assessment type: Laboratory Work
|
Grade: 40%
Complete six (6) Practical Worksheets
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 30%
Three (3) Online Quizzes

Required reading

Biology.
Solomon, E., Martin, C., Martin, D., & Berg, L., (2015)| Cengage Learning.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Outdoor Education and Environmental Science
SBOE | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Science
NBSC | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Undergraduate Certificate in Science and the Environment
NUSE | Undergraduate certificate | Duration: 0.5 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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